How to Make Sugar Glider Habitats

By Debra Durkee

Instructions

Step 1:
The minimum size for a sugar glider cage is 20x20x36, and should always be taller than it is wide. The bigger the cage, the better, and as sugar gliders cannot be kept individually, they're going to need plenty of room. Bars should be no more than 1/2 an inch apart, and wire mesh should never be used. When planning a location for the cage, height should also be taken into account. Place the cage on a table if not a high shelf, out of direct sunlight, and in an area that is relatively quiet.
Step 2:
Wild sugar gliders build their nests in hollow trees, so the best way to keep them comfortable and cozy is to give them the opportunity to simulate that. Nesting boxes for birds make great homes, as do wooden boxes that have been treated with animal-safe sealant to keep them from rotting. You can also fashion sleeping pouches, preferably from a material such as fleece.
Step 3:
Sugar gliders are by nature animals that love to climb and jump. Make sure their habitat has plenty of opportunities for them to do just that. Give them ledges and bars, and boxes to sit on. The small animal section of the pet store should have plenty of ideas; don't be afraid to adapt something for your particular needs.
Step 4:
Make sure your sugar gliders have plenty of toys. They're curious, inquisitive animals and will love a variety of toys to play with. Try swings, tunnels, and wheels, but make sure there are no bars or wires that they can get hurt on. Many bird toys can be adapted to sugar gliders. Move the toys around regularly, and let the gliders explore all over again!
Step 5:
Make sure there are several feeding stations in different areas of the habitat. Gliders can be extremely competitive when it comes to their food, and giving them a couple of different places to eat will alleviate some of the competition.

Tips & Warnings

Keep an eye on your sugar glider, and see where he likes to sit and what he likes to play with. Once you get to know him better, you can adjust the habitat to better suit him, and give him toys that he is more likely to play with and enjoy.
You should check your habitat regularly to make sure nothing has become a danger to your sugar glider. Make sure all bars are still intact, that nothing has been chewed, and that there are no loose threads or strings that could be a danger.
Some gliders like to chew, so be cautious of placing anything in the habitat that is made of plastic that could be chewed and swallowed.

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